During a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks, Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder sustained an ankle injury that forced him out of the contest. This is the second significant injury for the Thunder in their preseason, just as the regular season approaches.
While exhibition games are not crucial, losing key players is tough, especially with the season starting soon. Williams suffered a left ankle sprain, but there’s good news—ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports that the injury is “not severe,” according to sources.
Earlier in the week, Isaiah Hartenstein also got injured and is expected to miss about six weeks. Fortunately, Williams’ injury doesn’t appear to be serious, and he may return quickly.
Entering his third NBA season, Williams is emerging as a star, playing alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, forming a strong trio for the team. His absence would significantly affect the Thunder’s performance on both ends of the court.
Last season, Williams averaged 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, shooting 43% from beyond the arc and 54% overall. He is poised for a breakout season, and staying healthy is crucial for his All-Star aspirations.
The Thunder has depth to compensate for the losses of Hartenstein and Williams, but missing two key players at the start of the season is far from ideal. However, it seems that Williams could be back on the court soon, although the team will likely be cautious with his recovery.
